During the postwar years, the Netherlands had to deal with hardships, shortages, and natural disasters. The next step was constructing large-scale public works programs, economic recovery, and Europe’s integration into the Union.
Some 500,000 Dutch people emigrated after the war due to government-sponsored emigration efforts to reduce population density. The 1960s was the era of significant social and cultural change, including rapid de-pillarization characterized by the abolition of old political and religious barriers. Student groups particularly challenged traditional mores, pushing for change on women’s rights, sexuality, disarmament, and the environment.
These beautiful color photos of street life in the Netherlands, taken during the summer of 1961, are from the Huebner family collection.
